The best road cycling routes around Les Ternes

There are over 175 road cycling routes around Les Ternes, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The area is well-suited for exploring the unique volcanic landscapes of the Massif Central.

Road cycling around Les Ternes features a varied and often challenging terrain. You'll encounter high-altitude plateaus, significant elevation changes due to the ancient Cantal volcano, and dramatic landscapes near the Gorges de la Truyère. Routes range from 896 to 1061 meters in elevation, promising both demanding climbs and rewarding descents.

Yes, among the 175 routes, there are 12 routes classified as easy and 76 as moderate. A good option for a moderate ride is the Petit single de la Chaumette – Paulhac loop from Les Allauziers, which covers about 40 km with rolling sections and scenic vistas across the high plateau.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 87 difficult routes available. One such route is the Col de Prat de Bouc – View of Albepierre loop from Les Allauziers. This difficult trail spans 82.9 km and features significant elevation gain, offering expansive views of the Cantal mountains.

Absolutely. The region is rich in natural beauty. Many routes offer panoramic views across the high plateaus and the Monts du Cantal. You can also find routes that pass near the dramatic Truyère Gorges or the picturesque Babory Waterfall, which plunges into a 30-meter high basalt gorge.

Yes, the area offers several historical points of interest. You could cycle towards the medieval ruins of Alleuze Castle, dating back to the 12th century, or the magnificent Sailhant Castle, reinforced during the Hundred Years' War. The nearby town of Saint-Flour, situated on a volcanic promontory, also offers historical buildings and cultural insights.

Many of the road cycling routes around Les Ternes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. For example, the Aubrac Cows – Paulhac loop from Paulhac is a 37.9 km trail leading through high-altitude plateaus, perfect for a circular ride.

The road cycling routes in Les Ternes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 49 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse volcanic landscapes, the challenging ascents, and the rewarding panoramic views across the high plateaus. Over 1650 road cyclists have used komoot to explore this varied terrain.

Route durations vary significantly based on distance and difficulty. For instance, a moderate route like the Aubrac Cows – Paulhac loop from Paulhac, which is 37.9 km, can be completed in about 1 hour 38 minutes. More difficult routes, such as the Pont-Farin old mill – Paulhac loop from Volzac Hôpital (70.4 km), typically take around 3 hours 40 minutes.

Yes, the region's proximity to the dramatic Gorges de la Truyère means that some road cycling routes offer views or access points to this significant natural attraction. The Truyère river has carved grand and wild gorges, creating a striking backdrop for your ride, often integrating with the three large consecutive lakes: Garabit-Grandval, Lanau, and Sarrans.

Les Ternes is situated at a high altitude, with the commune itself averaging 949 meters and varying between 896 and 1061 meters. This means road cycling routes in the area consistently feature elevated sections and significant changes in elevation, providing both physical challenge and extensive views.